About us
Beginnings at Hearty K9s and the Goldendoodle World
About us
Since 1996, we have been farming on the family farm (Est. 1915) in central Alberta, Canada, just a few miles east of Wetaskiwin.
In 2004, we started Hearty K9s.
Since day one, my (Sonia's) vision has been to raise high-quality, healthy, well-balanced pups. My goal has always been to provide service and therapy dog options in every litter and, of course, the most impressive family pet!
I have a deep-rooted love of dogs and a natural desire to help people. The first dog I grew up with has inspired many of my goals. My background in nursing gave me insight into the value of health testing and caring for my k9s. My experience with farming developed a hard work ethic and helped me understand the value of hybrid vigour with my dad’s cattle farm. These are just some things that helped develop a successful and reputable business in Hearty K9s. One day, I may write a book.
Behind this successful dog breeder/trainer is a supportive and loving husband. Dean is my best friend and partner in life! We work together to make both businesses with the grain farm, Hearty Acres, and the dog business, Hearty K9s, work. He supports my goals, fills in when I need him, laughs lovingly at my obsessions with dogs, and encourages me to travel through the US and Canada to learn more about dog breeding and training pups! Our three children have grown but still come to visit, and grandchildren are starting to appear. We now have a full-time hired man actively involved with the dog and puppy chores, socialization, and training of our pups.
We are in a naturally beautiful scenic setting on the edge of the Gwynne Valley. We’re within easy reach, about 1 hour south of Edmonton, 2.3 hours north of Calgary, and one hour north of Red Deer. If you’re looking for a Goldendoodle puppy, you’re welcome to visit and meet our dogs and pups, but please contact us first to make an appointment, and we will send directions!
Our dogs have beautifully treed runs, 1000-2500 sq. ft. each, to play in during the day, with insulated houses and water pools for the non-winter months. They are in a climatized barn at night (or stay inside during extreme hot/cold weather). They get regular exercise in the spacious fields that surround our home. We have established permanent paths around our cropped fields so our dogs can have plenty of exercise year-round. We have developed a New Skete-inspired nursery in a re-purposed barn that Dean’s grandpa built, where our pups learn to potty outside at an early age. We also use a refined puppy socialization program that has been developed since 2004, with the input of trainers around North America. We continue to develop our program to help make Hearty K9 pups impressively ready for the world!
Our standards
We work hard to develop an unsurpassed companion for you. Our breeding dogs come from quality stock and are carefully screened for genetic health, hip dysplasia and eye problems. We also choose them because of their endearing personalities and sound temperaments.
Our stud dogs, the poodles, are attentive, intelligent boys showing their best-in-breed aristocratic class. Our girls vary in energy levels but remain good-natured, well-rounded, and sound mamas.
In a first-generation crossing, heterosis (a term used to describe the increased fertility, growth, mental stability, and good health that results when the progeny of two unrelated breeds is mated) remains the most significant advantage. Every pup in the litter may look very different from each other. We do not breed for conformity. Our most important standard is to provide you with a pup who is healthy, intelligent, has loads of personality, and is of sound temperament.
Our puppy program has been refined and developed over the years to provide you with a pup with an exceptional start in life. With my experience and knowledge in dog rearing and training, I pass along valuable information to prepare families for a bright future with their new pup.
We provide a limited two-year genetic health, hip dysplasia, and eye disease guarantee. We will provide eye exam and hip x-ray results upon request.
Goldendoodle news
Reena’s & Derby’s pups
A Tribute to Ace, Our Beloved Companion
I’m still in the game after 20 years!
